A boat burns Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014, after it exploded as it pulled away from a dock in Ocean Pines, Md. Maryland Natural Resources Police say five people have been taken to a hospital, three people to Johns Hopkins Bayview Burn Center in Baltimore, and two others to a local hospital. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation. (AP Photo/Patrick McAllorum)

Official: Boater followed procedure before blast

OCEAN PINES — A Maryland Natural Resources Police official says a boat owner followed proper procedures before the boat exploded this weekend in Ocean Pines.

Police spokeswoman Candy Thomson tells The Daily Times that nothing was amiss when the boater pulled away from the dock on Sunday. Ventilation hatches had been opened to bring outside air to the engine. But when the owner put the boat in forward gear, it blew up.

Five people were injured in the explosion. Two people suffered burns to their arms and lower legs.

Officials say the 24-foot boat was owned and operated by Neil Edwards of Springfield, Virginia.